St. Patrick's Day Parade 2013: Route, schedule, details

PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place Saturday featuring over 23,000 participants from the area including marching bands, politicians and a host of Irish-heritage groups.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. with the route stretching from the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 11th Street to the intersection of the Boulevard of Allies at Stanwix Street.

The parade has enjoyed a 142-year history in the city, having occurred non-stop since 1950. Many Pittsburghers remember that not even a blizzard in 1993 was able to keep Pittsburgh's Irish from marching on. According to U.S. Census data, more Pittsburghers claim Irish heritage than any other ethnic group in a region known as a “melting pot” of ethnicity.

Event officials have said that Pittsburgh's is the second-largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the United States, behind New York City.

Safety, security and a family-friendly atmosphere are central to the mission of the parade committee. Pittsburgh Police officers, firefighters and paramedics will be on hand during the festivities to ensure a safe and fun environment. The City of Pittsburgh now has a statute against consumption of alcoholic beverages in public spaces, which will be enforced as it has in years' past. Parade committee rules strictly prohibit consumption of alcoholic beverages for those marching in the parade.

The St. Patrick's Day Parade is the highlight of an entire week of Irish-heritage events in and around Pittsburgh, featuring area artists, musicians and community groups. In addition to being a celebration of great significance to those with Celtic roots, parade organizers suggest that the parade be a catalyst for all Pittsburgh to explore Irish heritage, culture, entertainment and cuisine throughout the year.

The Parade Route:The 2013 parade will begin at the Greyhound Bus Station at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 11th Street. Staging will take place from the bus station and away from Downtown to 28 th street. The parade will proceed from the intersection of Liberty and Grant Streets on Grant to the Boulevard of the Allies, where it will turn right. Proceed on the Boulevard of the Allies to the end of the parade route at Commonwealth Place and disburse.